Summary of Japanese singers popular in Korea: Notable J-POP and artists
Many of you may have heard the news that J-pop is booming in South Korea.
Korean artists and idols have long drawn attention by covering Japanese songs, among other activities.
Triggered by various sparks—like old songs being rediscovered or buzz from music shows—many singers have become beloved through Japan–Korea exchanges.
In this article, we’ll feature Japanese singers who are gaining attention in South Korea.
It might also be fun to focus on how they differ from those in Japan.
Let’s dive right in!
- A J-POP song highly popular in South Korea [with a Korean-language cover too!]
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among People in Their 20s [2026]
- Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs
- Korean karaoke songs: beloved tunes from popular ballads to K-pop
- An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.
- A Korean song you often hear on TikTok. Trending K-pop.
- [K-POP] Korean songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic crowd-pleasers
- K-POP Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Today's Recommended J-POP: A Collection of Japanese Hit Songs You’ll Want to Listen to Today
- [Introduction to Male Korean Artists] A Collection of K-POP Groups, Singers, and Bands
- Jay Park Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- [Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs from Korea you’ll want to listen to now—nostalgic Korean tracks
- A Classic of Korean City Pop [KOREAN CITY POP]
Roundup of Japanese singers popular in Korea: Noteworthy J-pop and artists (21–30)
Novelbright
What’s driving Novelbright’s popularity in South Korea is their savvy social media promotion and distinctive sound.
In particular, their song “Walking with you” went viral on TikTok in March 2023.
Novelbright’s appeal lies in their high-tone vocals and catchy melodies.
With members from diverse musical backgrounds, they craft a sound that draws listeners in.
Their approachable vibe also boosts their popularity, making them especially recommended for younger audiences.
This work, which invites shared experiences, will add color to your everyday life!
Mrs. GREEN APPLE
Formed in 2013 and making their major-label debut in 2015, Mrs.
GREEN APPLE has garnered attention with a unique musicality that crosses genre boundaries from J-pop to alternative rock.
They have produced songs tied to various anime and TV dramas, earning widespread support.
Since resuming activities in 2022, their momentum has only grown.
Led by hits like Inferno and Lilac, many of their signature tracks are also beloved in Korea.
All songs crafted by Motoki Omori combine catchy melodies with profound messages, resonating especially with younger listeners.
Renowned for their live performances, their music is perfect for anyone who wants to be captivated by stirring lyrics and a refreshing sound.
Matsubara Miki
In 2023, Miki Matsubara stands at the center of the city pop revival in South Korea.
Alongside the recent rise of genres like vaporwave and future funk, her “Mayonaka no Door — Stay With Me” has been reappraised as an imperishable classic, gaining a new base of fans.
The song, in particular, sparked overseas popularity, leading to numerous cover versions by various artists and ultimately reaching Korean listeners as well.
Matsubara’s appeal lies in her unique sound—a masterful blend of pop, jazz, and R&B.
While embracing international trends, her approach never forgets the strengths of Japanese music, making it highly recommended for listeners seeking a fusion of nostalgia and freshness.
HONEY WORKS
In 2023, HoneyWorks is drawing attention as a shining new star in Korea’s J-pop scene.
Their songs invite listeners into a world of storytelling, capturing hearts with narratives that depict the sweet and bittersweet memories of youth.
The “Kokuhaku Jikkō Iinkai” (Confession Executive Committee) series, in particular, boasts a distinctive worldview that has captivated many fans.
In February 2023, they trended on major Korean social media platforms, and their popularity—especially among young people—accelerated even further.
Collaborations with various media outlets have also amplified their appeal.
HoneyWorks’ tracks, which capture the glittering moments of adolescence, are highly recommended not only for those in love but for anyone who feels nostalgic for their youth.
Sakanakushon
Sakanaction is an alternative rock band born in Hokkaido.
With an innovative approach that fuses electronic music and band sound, they’re bringing a fresh breeze to the music scene.
They made their major debut in 2007 with the album “GO TO THE FUTURE,” steadily expanding their following.
Their self-titled album “sakanaction,” released in 2013, became their first to hit No.
1.
They have also engaged in diverse activities, including creating theme songs for films and TV dramas.
In 2025, boosted by the hit of “Kaiju,” their first anime theme song, they’ve been gaining attention in South Korea as well.
Their meticulously crafted works and music videos are must-sees.
From electronica to pop, their music effortlessly transcends genre boundaries, making them perfect for anyone seeking a fresh musical discovery.
10-FEET
10-FEET is a powerful three-piece rock band formed in Kyoto in 1997.
The trio of TAKUMA, NAOKI, and KOUICHI crafts an inventive blend of mixed-genre rock that captivates listeners in Korea as well.
In particular, their song “The First Take”—the theme for the 2022 film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK—became a major hit in Korea.
At their solo show in Korea in 2023, they thrilled 3,000 fans with energy beyond expectations.
Experience 10-FEET’s boundary-defying music, born from their relentless curiosity.
Ayumu Imazu
Ayumu Imazu is a rising singer-songwriter born in 2000.
He made his major debut in 2021, and his high-quality songs have been gaining attention among music fans in Japan.
Having studied dance since childhood and drawing on his study-abroad experience in New York, he delivers globally appealing, easy-to-listen-to dance music.
In early 2024, he released “Obsessed,” a chill track with a K-R&B vibe.
Its popularity spread after idols like SEVENTEEN and ZEROBASEONE posted dance videos to the song.
He has also performed at Korean festivals such as the 2024 LOVESOME FESTIVAL, making him, like imase, an artist whose popularity is rising from Korea.
